Meanings
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1
noun
a person who supplies food and provisions to an army, navy, ship, or other organized body
The victualler delivered flour, salted meat, and fresh water to the garrison.
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2
noun
chiefly British and historical: an innkeeper, publican, or licensed seller of food and drink
The village victualler kept rooms for travelers above the tavern.
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3
noun
a ship used to carry provisions to a fleet or settlement
A naval victualler brought food and water to the ships anchored offshore.
Thesaurus
Etymology
Formed from victual + -er. Victual came through Middle English and Anglo-French vitaille from Late Latin victualia, 'provisions,' related to Latin victus, 'nourishment,' and vivere, 'to live.' A learned c was restored in the spelling but never entered the pronunciation.